Setting up a Delaware LLC is Easy

You can form a Delaware LLC (Limited Liability Company) yourself by filing the Delaware Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. The cost to create an LLC in Delaware is $90.

Follow our free How to Start an LLC in Delaware guide below to get started today.

Step 1: Create A Name For Your Delaware LLC

First off, in order to launch a successful Delaware LLC, you need to give it the right name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes. We go into depth on this topic in our LLC naming guide, but we’ll go over the legal basics below.

If you’re having trouble coming up with a name that captures your brand, don’t let that stop you from forming your LLC. For now, you can focus on the legal requirements and consider applying for a trade name after you’ve nailed down your branding.

What To Do:

Once you’ve decided what you’d like to call your LLC in Delaware, do a business name search to find out whether or not it’s in the cards. If your business name is available, you’ll be able to lock it down when you file your Certificate of Formation.

Need help naming your LLC? Check out our LLC name generator to find the best name for your LLC.

Quick Note: Before you commit 100% to a name, you should see if there’s a good URL available. Use GoDaddy to search for your options. If there’s a quality domain name for purchase, we advise buying it right away because even if launching a business website isn’t on your radar right now, it’s going to be soon.

Service provided by GoDaddy.com

After registering a domain name, consider setting up a professional email account (@yourcompany.com). Google's G Suite offers a business email service that comes with other useful tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and more. Try it for free

Step 2: Appoint A Delaware Registered Agent

Your registered agent will be responsible for receiving important legal documents like tax forms and service of process notices on behalf of your LLC. Your registered agent can be an individual resident of the state or a company that’s legally authorized to represent businesses in Delaware.

Delaware does give you the option to act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to appoint a professional instead. Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own:

You’ll have to maintain normal (9 am - 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide.

If you run your business from home, you’ll be required to make your personal address public.

You must keep up on important notices, dates, and deadlines.

You could be served in front of your family or coworkers.

What To Do:

If you’re considering acting as your own registered agent, do some research, starting with our registered agent guide. If you decide you’re up for the task, go ahead and list your own name and address on your Delaware Certificate of Formation.

If you’re leaning toward hiring a professional, we recommend doing so through an online LLC formation service. Many of these companies (like ZenBusiness) offer up to one year of registered agent service free when you form your Delaware LLC with them.

Step 3: File the Certificate Of Formation

Congrats, this is a big step! Once you’re through filing your Certificate of Formation, you’ll be a legitimate Delaware business.

What To Do:

If you choose to complete this step on your own, note that Delaware handles their formation documents differently than most states. Rather than providing the exact form to fill out, they offer a template for you and your registered agent to use as a guide. The filing fee is $90.

The processing time is about two weeks, but it can be expedited for a fee.

Since Delaware’s LLC formation requirements are a little more complicated than most other states, we recommend using a professional LLC filing service for this step. They’ll take the reins on the formation process and make sure your Certificate of Formation is filed perfectly. They’re also able to provide a bunch of additional services if you need extra help along the way.

One great option is ZenBusiness. In addition to great service, they give you a free year of registered agent service when you sign up.

Step 4: Create A Delaware LLC Operating Agreement

Creating a Delaware LLC operating agreement is the only way for you and your members to fully define your roles and lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure. Having this document in place will also give you all something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises.

Quick Note: Download a template of create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool on How to Start an LLC. No credit card required, ever.

Step 5: Obtain An EIN (Employer Identification Number) For Your LLC

The Employer Identification Number (EIN), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN), is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. State and federal agencies use this number to track your business activity.

Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:

Open a business bank account

File Federal and State taxes

Hire employees

We think the best way to get an EIN for your Delaware LLC is by using the free online application on the IRS website. We prefer this method because it's the most efficient, but you can apply by phone, fax, or mail. You can read through our How to Get an EIN guide to find out how.

Maintain Your LLC's Personal Asset Protection

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

Now that you’ve made it through the formation process for your Delaware LLC, you’ll need to take steps to protect your personal assets and establish your business as an independent entity.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your Delaware LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can go a long way in protecting your assets with these three steps:

A business bank account separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection. A designated business bank account also makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Make sure all documents are signed by a representative of your Delaware LLC and not by you (or other LLC members) directly. This will help separate you from liability incurred by the LLC.

Reduce the Liability of Your Delaware LLC

Business Insurance

Business insurance helps you manage risk and focus on growing your Delaware LLC. Carrying the right coverage protects your LLC from liability and keeps you safe in the event of a loss.

The most common types of business insurance are:

General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.

Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers claims of malpractice and other business errors.

There are free services available that quickly assess your business’s insurance needs. These services suggest customized policies with various insurance carriers so that you can choose the best value. One such reliable and respected service is CoverWallet.

Labor Law

You can reduce your LLC’s liability by being fully compliant with employment laws such as:

If you plan to hire employees, you might also be required to invest in Workers' Compensation Insurance. This type of policy provides coverage for employee job-related illnesses, injuries, or loss of life.

Stay Compliant

As a new LLC in Delaware, you will need to stay compliant with permits, licenses, taxes, and state filings. This is serious business; failure to comply can lead to fines, tax penalties, and dissolution (the end) of your Delaware LLC.

Business Licenses and Permits

To operate your Delaware LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state, so make sure you research carefully and plan accordingly.

Local: Contact your local county clerk and ask about local licenses and permits.

Sales Tax

Delaware does not have a state sales tax.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Delaware, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Online Employer Services Portal. You will also need to sign up for Employee Withholding Tax through the Delaware Division of Revenue.

Annual Franchise Tax

Delaware requires all LLCs to pay an annual franchise tax of $300. If you miss state filings like the annual report, you could face fines or even automatic dissolution. A quality registered agent service, like ZenBusiness, can help protect your assets by keeping track of filing requirements for you.

Late Filings: Delaware charges a penalty of $200 plus 1.5% interest per month if you miss the June 1st filing deadline.

Reduce Administrative Burden

There will be many demands on your time once you start your business. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to streamline your workflow and reduce administrative overhead from the get-go. The two most important business tasks to get help with are:

Accounting

It's important to get your books in order — even if you haven't officially opened for business. A well-managed accounting system will help you:

Track your business finances, including bills, expenses, and income.

Simplify and file your annual taxes.

You can maintain your accounting in two ways:

Use a DIY accounting software. This can come with an increased risk of errors especially when starting a new business.

Hire an accounting service. They can provide comprehensive advice to help optimize your bookkeeping and taxes as well as additional services such as payroll etc.

Recommended: For most small businesses, we recommend using a reputable accounting service. Schedule a free tax consultation for your business now to avoid costly errors in the future.

Employee Payroll

If you have employees, a payroll service will save you a lot of time and also save you from having to become an expert on state compliance or employee tax withholdings and filings.

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